my second book read in 2024, and I gave it four stars! I actually started this a few months ago and got stuck around page sixty. Then I kept going and realized the order of events was not what I expected. It got really interesting and I couldn't put it down. I've read other books where like the main character can tell when someone is about to die and tries to avoid it, but the revenge thriller portion of this felt unique. There's a strong twist, and an important author's note at then end of the story.

Subjects like this are tough to write about. I'm not sure if we're quite ready for this yet, but the attempt did not fall flat or feel insensitive to real stories. It reminded me a little of The Taking of Jake Livingston. It was a good mystery, but please be aware of the trigger warnings when reading.

RATING: 3.75/5 STARS

The cover and synopsis for THE DARKNESS RISES drew me in, and the novel itself delivered a solid YA thriller! Whitney sees dark clouds over people's heads before they are at risk of dying. One day, she saves a classmate who goes on to perpetrate a school shooting. As she deals with the fallout of her unfortunate, well-intentioned deed, she realizes someone knows her secret and aims to make Whitney and her loved ones their next victims. This was a unique concept and was executed well. The story propelled forward and introduced enough mystery and intrigue to keep me guessing. I read this in a single day. The themes in this book are heavy but handled with sensitivity. Recommend for fans of YA, speculative fiction, and magical realism.

A very powerful story of premonition and the desire to do good.

School shootings is a topic in books I usually steer clear of, but something about this book spoke to me.

Whitney can see when people are going to die. Even though she has been given the nickname Super Girl among classmates, this gift is something she doesn’t share with anyone, aside from her beloved grandmother whom she inherited this from.

It used to bring her some sense of happiness until someone she saved from death went on to do something terrible! She feels this sense of responsibility and guilt now.

It’s the start of her senior year and she is a shell of who she was. She doesn’t dance anymore, having quit the team and given up her role as captain. And now, she is getting ominous warnings from an unknown source, telling her to confess or she will be punished.

I thought this was so well done. And it truly begs the question of what is the butterfly effect of saving someone who is supposed to die? What events will happen after that change the course of the future?

I really enjoyed this book! It was the perfect addition to my spooky reads for October. The writing was superb and the characters well rounded and developed well. The twist at the end was not what I expected at all, which is always a plus in a thriller book. I wish there had been more character development between Whitney and Isaac and there were some grammatical errors but other than that this was a fantastic read!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

The Darkness Rises by Stacy Stokes takes readers on a haunting journey into the life of Whitney, a young girl burdened with a unique and eerie ability to foresee death hovering over people. Ever since she was seven, she has witnessed this chilling phenomenon, and at times, she has been able to intervene and save lives. However, everything changes when she becomes entangled in an unimaginable tragedy—a school shooting carried out by someone she saves.

Haunted by guilt and desperate to escape the memories of that fateful day, Whitney takes drastic measures to conceal her extraordinary power from her loved ones and closest friends, even giving up the one thing she's cherished most: her passion for dance. But as she tries to navigate through the turmoil and guilt, an ominous message appears in her locker, a chilling indication that someone knows her secret and seeks revenge for her past actions.

The plot of The Darkness Rises twists and turns with every chapter, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly following Whitney's quest to unravel the mystery of the ominous message and the identity of her pursuer. Stokes expertly weaves together grief, redemption, and the weight of keeping secrets, creating a compelling and emotionally charged narrative.

Whitney's character is beautifully crafted, evoking empathy from readers as they witness her internal struggle and the complexities of her choices. Stokes showcases Whitney's growth throughout the story, making her a relatable and dynamic protagonist.

The speculative element of the story adds an extra layer of intrigue, as readers delve into the boundaries of life, death, and the blurred line between saving and altering fate. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the moral implications of using such abilities and the profound impact of one's choices.

Stokes' writing is gripping and emotive, drawing readers into the world of Whitney and her secrets. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of tension and quiet introspection that allow readers to connect deeply with the characters.

"The Darkness Rises" is a spellbinding mystery that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. It explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of saving lives, all while keeping readers guessing until the very end. Stacy Stokes has crafted an enthralling tale that will resonate with readers long after the final page. If you seek a thrilling, emotionally charged mystery that challenges your perceptions of life and death, this book is a must-read.